There has been a large increase in reinfections of Covid-19 since the Omicron variant became dominant with people 5 times more likely to be reinfected. The latest report from the UK’s Office of National Statistics (ONS) also confirmed that younger people were more likely to be reinfected than older people, from 2 July 2020 to 1 July 2022.

In June, the most commonly reported symptoms continued to be cough, sore throat, fatigue and headache.

Cases of Covid-19 in England continued to rise but trends were uncertain in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland for the week ending 13 July 2022 for England and Wales, week ending 14 July 2022 for Northern Ireland and Scotland).

• England: 1 in 17 people
• Scotland: 1 in 15 people
• Wales: 1 in 17 people
• Northern Ireland: 1 in 20 people

Since the end of June 2022, the majority of COVID-19 infections have been Omicron variants BA.4 or BA.5 in all UK countries, comprising of 89.2% of all sequenced COVID-19 infections in the week ending 3 July 2022.

Deaths related to Covid increased in GB. There were 506 deaths involving COVID-19 registered in the week ending 8 July 2022, an increase from 393 in the previous week. (see also: 82 #Covid Related Deaths in Scotland: Weekly Update 21/07/2022)

More than a third of adults say that they are continuing to wear a mask and about the same percentage have been avoiding contact with older and more vulnerable people. Only 29% are maintaining social distancing when they are out and even less, 27% are increasing ventilation in their homes by opening windows or doors when they have visitors. Hand washing has continued to rank highly in actions people are continuing to do with 75% doing so when they return home from a public place.

Booster Vaccinations in Scotland

In Scotland a further booster vaccination will be offered to those at highest risk of severe COVID-19 disease from September.

The following groups will be offered an additional dose in a community clinic:

• residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults 
• frontline health and social care workers
• all adults aged 50 years and over
• those aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group, including pregnant women  
• those aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
• carers aged 16-49 years

It is hoped to be able to give these booster jags at the same time as the seasonal flu one. Letters will be sent out to the first eligible groups next month with appointments beginning in September.

Please remember:

• get your vaccine when offered to ensure you are fully protected
• stay at home if you’re unwell with symptoms or have a fever
• open windows when socialising indoors
• wear a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport
• wash your hands to protect yourself

Care for yourself and others to help slow down the spread of the virus and reduce pressure on our health services.

34 New #Covid Cases in Orkney: Weekly Update